Telephone-exchange system.



M. L. JOHNSON. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 10, 1912.

Patented Nov. 10, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l.

w, s f R N ha mL/ m mm A v o/W W Q ,WQML 15% M. L. JOHNSON. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

m APPLICATION I'ILBD AUG. 10, 1912. 1, 1 1 6,541

Patented Nov. 10, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

wrmmosym INVENTOR MORTON L; JOHNSON ATTORNEY M. L. JOHNSON. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED AUG. 10, 1912.

1,1 1 6,541 Patented Nov. 10, 1914.

3 SHEBTS-SHEET 3.

TO ANOTHER CORD CIRCUIT ATTORNEY ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO

ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

MORTON L. JOHNSON, OF CHICAGO,

FRANK LB. COOK COMPANY, OF CHICAGO,

TELEPHONE-EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed August 10, 1912. Serial No. 714,422.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that l, MORTON L. Jonxson,

citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Telephone-Exchange Systems, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description. reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to communicatlng systems and, in one embodiment, relates to those telephone exchange systems having equipment for effecting connection between a calling line and a desired line by the cooperation of operators located at different positions, though the invention is not to be restricted to its use in connection with telephone exchange systems. There is a variety of such systems in which two operators thus cooperate and I do not therefore limit myself to any particular system in which two operators cooperate to establish a single telephone circuit. The opera tors at these positions were able to converse by means of telephonic circuits extending between these positions whereby the receiving operators, were informed of connections to be established, a method of operation that was attended by difliculties and objections among which were the frequent necessity on the part of the calling subscribers to repeat the numbers of desired lines or other information, delays imposed upon a calling subscriber while awaiting response on the part of the second operator. the delays to which the first or receiving operators were subjected because of the time required for the second operators to respond and check up the message received from the first operators, and the unequal distribution of the tratlic load imposed upon the second operators. I overcome these difiiculties by employing a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing rccorded speech in the presence of the second operator and operable at the first opera: tors position, as l have practiced the invcntion, whereby the first operator conveys the information in recorded form to the second opcrators position where it is available to the second operator to suit her con venience and capacity.

In a connection which is being established the speech recording and reproducing apparatus is coupled with the link that is being handled by the second or connecting operator so that when this operator hears the record that informs her of the number of the desired line she will employ the link coupled with the talking device and eifect its connection with the desired line so that she need not be informed by the first or receiving operator either of the number of the calling line or the number of the link to be employed. The record is desirably im' pressed upon the talking device by telephonic current transmitted by way of the link connector but the invention is not to be limited to this method of coupling the link connector and the talking device. The receiving and connecting operators posi tions may be in the same building or in widely separated buildings yet their positions would in effect be at the same exchange and the claims are drawn in contemplation of this View.

I will explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanying drawings shmving one embodiment thereof as employed in connection with telephone ex change systems and in which drawings Figures 1, 2 and 3, taken collectively and in numerical order with the lines at the tops of the sheets in alinement, represent a telephone exchange system equipped in accordance with the invention.

Two stations 120 and 190 are illustrated, the first being considered the calling station and the second a called station, by way of example. Each telephone station includes a switch hook l, a telephone receiver 2. a telephone transmitter 3. a call bell l, and a condenser 5. the switch hook when supporting the telephone receiver establishing a bridge for the call bell and condenser and' when free of the receiver establishing a metallic continuous bridge including the telephone receiver and transmitter. lhese telephone stations are illustrated as extending to one type of telephone exchange in which an idle operator is selected by means of selecting mechanism that is not included in an established circuit between calling and called stations and which equip- 'ment is covered by the application of Elmer R. Corwin, Serial No. 503,345, filed June 21, 1909. The invention, however, is

Patented Nov. 10, 1914.

IOU

not to be limited to any particular telephone exchange equipment, the telephone eX- change equipment illustrated being selected merely for the sake of example. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated both telephone lines leading to stations 120 and 190 are adapted for selective association with the telephone equipment at various operators positions and in the system shown the operator who becomes telephonically connected with a calling line informs a second or B operator of the connection desired by'means of speech recording and reproducing apparatus that is operable in the presence of the B operator to reproduce the recorded speech and is operable by the A operator to record the speech of the A operator.

Assuming that the party at station 120 de sires communication with the party at station 190, the party at station 120 will remove the telephone receiver from its switch hook thereby establishing a circuit traceable from the rounded common battery 6, the lower win ing of relay 7, the lower intermediate armature switch of relay 8 and its normal. contact, the upper armature switch of relay 9 and its normal contact, both sides of the calling line, the lower armature switch of relay 9 and its normal contact, the upper immediate armature switch of relay 8 and its normal contact, to the grounded upper winding of relay 7. The relay 7 is energized to establish a circuit traceable from the grounded upper intermediate armature switch of relay 7, the alternate contact of this armature switch, the armature of the sluggishly operating relay 10, the winding of this relay, the winding of motor magnet 11, the side switch wiper 12, to the grounded battery 6. The motor magnet 11 thereupon sets the wipers 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of an operator selector'switch into rotation until the wiper 15 encounters an ungrounded waiting contact whereupon these wipers are arrested. The circuit for the private magnet 19 (which was established upon the initial operation of the motor magnet 11) is opened when the Wiper 15 engages an. ungrounded contact whereby the side switch wipers 12 and are moved into their second positions, wiper 12 in its second position opening the circuit of the motor magnet 11 causing the wipers 13 to 18 inclusive .to remain at rest. When the wiper 12 is in its second position a circuit is established that includes the grounded battery 6, the magnet 21, and the lower groun' d armature switch of relay 7 and its then e l contact, conions from the wip 2 d 18 being thereupon. exten mature switches "tch wiper 2O ounds the ac gaged by the wiper 15 and belonging to other oparator selector switches are grounded so that other operator selector switches cannot engage these contacts that are multiply related with the contacts engaged by the wipers 13 to 18 inclusive, it being understood that the waiting contacts of the different operator selector switches are multi plied as indicated in Fig. 1. The private magnet 19 has been placed in connection with the automatically selected operator whose telephone equipment 22 is in telephonic connection with the waiting contacts engaged by the wipers 13 and 14 that constitute separable terminal connections of the calling line. Both stations 120 and 190 have similar line equipment (in the embodiment of the invention illustrated) and both are adapted similarly to become selectively con nected with an idle operator and similar parts of these line equipments are given similar characters of reference, though of course it is to be understood that theinvention is not to be limited to mechanism for automatically selecting idle operators. After the calling subscriber has informed the selected operator, which operator, in the embodiment of the invention here shown, may be considered the A operator, will separate the contacts of a key 23 for the purpose of opening the circuit of the line relay 24 of an associate telephone line selector switch, which switch is adapted to select a telephone line that is free for selection and which intervenes between the A and B operators positions and which telephone line, in the embodiment of the invention here shown, is also adapted to constitute a link connector in an established connection between calling and called stations though such selected telephone line would not be limited to this additional and line joining function. The circuit for the relay :24 that is broken at 23 is traceable from the grounded battery 6, the lower winding of relay 24. the intermediate armature switch of relay 25 and its normal contact, the intermediate armature switch of relay 21 and its then engaged contact, the actuated wiper 17 and its then engaged waiting contact, the contacts of key 23 which are included between contacts 01" key 26, the actuated wiper 16 and its then engaged waiting contact, the uppermost armature switch of relay 21 and its then engaged contact, the uppermost armature switch of relay 25 and its normal contact to the upper grounded coil of relay 12 1-. hen this relay 2&- was'enen gized a circuit was established lay its, ure switch through i of. this sit i h, the i ting release control nde l pa er lt switch wipers 30 and now being brought relay 27 and its then engaged contact. The

released when circuit is initially opened at 23 so that when circuit is opened at 23 another circuit is established that may be traced from the grounded armature switch of relay 2st, the normal contact of this armature switch, the lower armature switch of sluggishly operating relay 27 and the alternate contact of this switch, the winding of sluggishly operating private control relay 28, the vertical magnet 29, side switch wiper 30 in its first position to the grounded battery 6. The key 23 is diagrammatically shown but it is understood that mechanism is present whereby it is operated at a rate of speed to prevent the relays 27 and 28 from releasing their armatures during the transmission of impulses by the key The circuit of the private magnet 31 is closed during the attraction of the armature switch of the relay 28 and is opened when this armature switch is released upon the reenergization of the relay 25 consequent upon the continued closure of the contacts at 23 when the switch 23 is at rest.. When the circuit of the private magnet is thus opened the side switch wipers 30 and 32 are brought to their second positions, the vertical magnet having raised the wipers 33, 34:, 35 to the level of waiting contacts including those contacts having the terminals of the desired link connector or telephone line. When the side switch wiper 30 is in its second position the circuit of the vertical magnet 29 is opened and circuit of the rotary magnet 36 is established through the armature switch of the sluggishly operating relay 37 and the winding of this latter relay. The rotary magnet 36 continues in operation until the wiper 34: encounters an ungrounded waiting contact whereupon the private magnet 31, whose circuit was previously reestablished at the armature switch of the rotary magnet 36, is again included in open circuit to open the circuit'of the rotary magnet 36, the side into their third positions, whereby the wipers 33, 3st and 35 are arrested. When the wiper 30 is in its third position a circuit is established which includes the grounded battery 6, side switch wiper 30, the relay 25, and the upper grounded armature switch of armature switches of relay 25 are thereupon attracted, the two upper armature switches thereof continuing the talking sides of the calling line into connection with the talking wipers 33 and 3-3 in turn connecting the calling line with the selected telephone or link connector thatin this instance terminates in a connecting plug 38 that is adapted for insertion within a jack 39 of some telephone line extension such as the telephone line leading to station 190 which in this instance is taken to be the wanted station. A.i l

circuit is now present which is traceable from the upper grounded winding of the difierential relay 40, the upper winding of the relay 41, the upper pair of normally en gaged contacts of the ringing key 4-2, the wiper 33 and its engaged waiting contact, the upper armature switch of relay and its alternate contact, the upper armature switch of relay 21 and its then engaged contact, the upper pair of normally engaged contacts of the key 26, the contacts of key 23, the lower pair of normally engaged con tacts of key 26, the wiper 17 and its then engaged contact, the intermediate armature switch of relay 21, the intermediate armature switch of relay 25 and its alternate contact, the talking wiper 35 and its then engaged contact, the lower pair of normally connected contacts of key 42, the lower winding of relay l1, the lower winding of differential relay l0, to the grounded battery 6. Relay 40 being differential, is not now energized but relay ll, whose windings are cumulative, is energized to close circuit through the sluggishly operating release relay l3 whose armature switch places ground upon the conductor leading to the actuated wiper 34 in substitution for the ground removed at the upper armature switch of relay 27 when relay 25 is energized, whereby all contacts of other link connector selector switches in multiple with the contact engaged by the wiper 3!: are grounded so that no other link connector selector switch will select the previously appropriated link connector, it being understood that the waiting contacts of the different link connector selector switches are multiply related as indicated in Fig. 2, an additional link connector selector switch being illustrated at the lower portion of Fig. 2, similar parts of the link connector selector switches being given similar charae ters of reference. I

The selected operator having selected a free telephone line intervening between the position of the selected operator and the position of the B operator, does not seek telephonic connection with the selected B operator in order immediately to inform her of the wants of the calling subscriber but instead causes a speech recording device to record the wants of the calling subscriber which the A or receiving operator speaks into the recording device whereafter the l operator effects or permits the operation of the recording device to reproduce the speech which it has recorded. This recording device is preferably of a well known type including an endless band of magnetizable steel wire or tape 44 (Fig. 3) suitably driven in a uniform direction by motor mechanism diagrammatically indicated at 45. A recording magnet 46 (preferably including duplicated structures) is cooperatively related with the band 44 and is included in a telephonic circuit that extends to the selected A operators positions and is controlled as hereinafter specified. The speech recorded by means of magnetic fields induced by the element 46 upon the element 44 and which fields are temporarily fixed upon this element 44 is recorded by means of a reproducing magnet 47, desirably including duplicated structure, this reproducing magnet being, included in an induced circuit which is controlled and associated as hereinafter specified. The speech recording magnetic fields upon the band 44 are erased by means of an erasing magnet structure 48 in circuit with battery 49 which is stronger than the batteries 50 and 51 included in the recording and reproducing telephone circuits and the polarity of which battery 49 is reversed with respect to the polarities of the batteries 50 and 51 whereby the speech recording magnetic fields may be properly effaced to prepare the portion of the band 44 having the same for the receipt of the new record. I do not limit myself, however, to the form of speech recording and reproducing apparatus illustrated and described. The selected A operator having selected an idle link connector extending to the position of a B operator depresses keys 26 and 52 (whose plungers may be replaced by a single operator actuated element) so as to cut the impulse key 23 out of circuit and substantially simultaneously include the operators telephone outfit in circuit with the conductors leading to the waiting contacts engaged by the wipers 16, and 17, which wipers in turn are connected with the two upper armature switches of relay 21 whose contacts are connected with the armature switches of relay 25 whereby the operators telephone equipment 22 is telephonically connected with the talking wipers 33, 35 and the talking sides of the selected link connector. Then the key is depressed the ground there indicated is connected with the lower talking side of the connected link connector so as to shunt the upper coil of the differential relay 40 whereby this differential relay is permitted to operate. Relay 41 which was previously energized and which remains energized cooperates with the now effectively energized relay 40 to establish a circuit traceable from the grounded battery 6, the upper armature switch of relay 40 and its then engaged contact, the upper armature switch of relay 41 and its then eng'aged contact, to the grounded relay 53. The right hand armature switch of relay 53 thereupon establishes, a circuit for the motor 45 causing the band 44 to travel between the poles 'of the mag nets associated therewith. The left :hand armature switch of relay 53 establishesa circuit for the relay 54 so as to close an in-.

duced or secondary circuit at the lower armature switch of relay 54, this induced circuit including the battery 50, the lower armature switch of relay 54, the recording magnet 46 and an induced or secondary coil 55. The upper armature switch of relay 54 completes the closure of an inducing circuit that includes an inducing coil 56, and a condenser 57 in bridge of the talking sides of the selected link connector whereby telephonic current set up by the A operator 56 and induced from this coil into the secondary circuit including the induced coil 55 and the recording magnet 46. The elements 56 and 55 thus include "the recording magnet 46 in telephonic circuit that contains the induced coil 57 of the telephone equipment 22, the inducingcoil 58 in the circuit of the transmitter 59 coiiperating with the induced coil 57 to bring the transmitter 59 into telephonic relation with the recording magnet 46. WVhile I have shown this way of establishing a telephonic circuit between recording magnet 46 and the transmitter 59 I do not limit myself to this arrangement. The A operator by speaking into the transmitter 59, causes the manifestation of telephonic currents in the recording magnet 46 so as to induce magnetic fields in the band 44 corresponding to the telephonic currents. The record made is in accordance with the requirements and practice of the system and in this instance may be the number of the desired line, and also the number of the calling line.

The erasing magnet 48 has its circuit that includes the erasing battery 49 closed at the intermediate armature switch of relay 54 when the circuit of the recording magnet 46 is closed so that the record upon the portion of the band 44 that is to receive a new record is erased preparatory to the reception of such a new record. After the record has been made by the A operator this operator will release the keys 26 and 52 and close the contacts of key 60 to establish a circuit which may be traced from the grounded battery 6, the contacts of the key 60, the actuating wiper 18 and its then engaged contact, the lowermost armature switch of relay 21, the winding of relay 8, the side switch wiper 32 in its third position, the wiper 34, the armature switch of relay 43 and its then engaged contact, to ground. Relay 8 is thereupon energized to establish a locking circuit through this winding that includes the lowermost armature switch of this relay, the battery 6, and the ground at ,the armature switch of relay 43 through the "path previously traced. Relay .8 now closes and maintains the talking sides of the calling line in circuit with thetalking sides of the selected link connector. When the relay 8 is energized relay 7 is deenergizedwhereby the circuit is established which is traceat 22 will be manifested in the inducing coil v able from the intermediate grounded armature switch of relay 7 and its. normal con' tact, the release magnet (31 of the actuated operator selector switch, the previously closed oli normal switch 62 to the grounded battery (3. The release magnet 61 thereupon effects the restoration of the side switch wipers 1'2 and 20 to their first positions and brings the wipers 13 to 18 inclusive to normal. The previously employed opera-tor selector switch is thus restored to normal. When the wiper 17 is restored to normal the distributing ground previously established at is removed from the differential relay 4.0 whose armature switches are restored to normal. The lower armature. switch of re lay at) establishes a circuitthat may be traced from this switch which is grounded through its normal contact, the armature switch of sluggishly operating relay 63 (which relay was previously energized when the relay 40 became efl'ectively energized) ihewinding of relay 64, to the grounded battery (3. When the relay (is is energized itestablishes a locking circuit for itself which is traceable from the grounded battery 6 through the winding of the relay (34:, the intermediate armature switch of this relay and its then engaged contact, to the grounded intermediate armature switch of relay c5 and its normal contact. When relay ()4 is energized a signal lamp 66 is brought into closed circuit to signify to the selected B operator that a record has been made in the speech recording device belonging to her position. When the differential relay 40 is deenergized circuit for the magnet 53 is opened at the upper armature switch of this relay whereby relay 54 is included in open circuit, the circuits of the inducing coil 56 and induced coil 55 being consequently opened, while the circuits of the recording and erasing magnets are also opened. The circuit of the motor 45 is not however broken until the band driving shaft 68 has completed its cycle, this shaft being in suitable gear connection with a disk 9 having a metallic portion that maintains the circuit for the motor 45 during the time the shaft 68 is to be driven and an insulating portion which breaks the circuit when the cycle rotation of the shaft 68 has been completed. It is the duty of the B operator to learn the nature of this'recm'd as soon as opportunity will permit, to which end the B operator depresses a listening key 67. The lower contacts of this key serve, when the key is operated. to establish circuit for the relay 70 whereby the inducing circuit including the reproducing magnet 4-7 is closed at the left hand armature of this relay to bring the inducing coil 71 into inductive relation with the induced coil 72,-the induced coil 72 be ing connected with the 'operators hcad telcphone 73 by the key (37 when depressed whereby the operator hears the reproduced speech and proceeds to establish the direct connection. the tape ll being moved through another cycle. for the purpose of reproducing the speech, by the motor 4:5 whose circuit is now closed at the right hand armature switch of relay 70. The operator, pur suant to instructions conveyed by the reproduced recorded speech, inserts the plug 38 into the jack 39 of the desired line and depresses the ringing key 7st to include the ringing generator 75 in the circuit of the called line. It the calling subscriber has, in the meantime. restored his telephone receiver to its switch hook, the B operator also depresses the ringing key 42 to include the ringing current generator '1' 6 in circuit with the calling line. The relay 41 is a calling subscriber-s supervisory relay and the relay 77 is :1 called subscribers supervisory relay, the calling supervisory signals 7 8 being controlled by the calling subscribers and the called supervisory signal 79 being controlled by the called subscribers.

A further description of the supervisory signal apparatus is not necessary as it forms no part of my invention except that it may be stated that the locking circuit of magnet 64 is opened at the intermediate armature switch of relay (85 when this armature switch is removed from its normal contact upon the inclusion of the winding of the relay 65 in a local circuit with the grounded battery 6. the heel of the inserted plug 38, the thimble of the jack 3 receiving the same, and the winding of the cutofl' relay 80 by a path which is apparent.

Upon the cessation of conversation between the connected subscribers the plug 38 is taken down whereupon the magnet 65 is de'c'nergized and the relay i3 is in turn deiinergized whereby ground is removed from the wiper 34- to cause the circuit of relay to be opened. \Vhen the relay 25 is deenergized circuit of the release magnet 81 is established whereupon the side switch wipers 30. and the wipers 33, 34 and 35 are restored to normal. The circuit of relay 8 is also opened whereby the equipment of the calling line is restored to normal.

I have hitherto devised a system wherein talking devices have been employed at an exchange for announcing the designations of calling line extensions and this prior invention forms the subject matter of my co-pending application Serial No. 709,427, filed July 15, 1912. In this application I have disclosed a telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to an exchange, link connectors at the exchange for uniting said lines, talking devices at the exchange having speech reproducing record portions for speaking line designations, andoperator controlled means for interchangeably coupling the talking devices with the readily be made without departing from the spirit of my invention, nor do I wish to limit myself, in all embodiments of the invention, to telephone exchange systems Having thus described my invention I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent the following 1. A telephone exchange system includ ing telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking con nection intervenin between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; and means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator.

2. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, operable at the first operators position to record speech; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; and means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in'condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator. 7

3. A telephone exchange system includ ing telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining callin and called lines; a speech recording an reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; and means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator.

4. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone hnes extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervenin between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the link connector that intervenes between the operators positions enterin into' the formation of said talking connection; and means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator.

5. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to, one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking con nection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at'the first 0perators position, the link connector that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection: a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; and means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator.

61A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the telephone line thatinlei-relics between the operatorspositions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a signal device at the second operator's position and individual to the link connector intervening between the opera tors positions; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position; and means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator.

7. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the link connector that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a telephone cennection including atelephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line intervening between the operators positions; means for operating this signal device controlled at thefirst operators position; and means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second t5 tions; 'a speech operator.

8. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position: telephone lines extending to a second operators position line intervening between the operators posirecording and reproducing when operated a telephone apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the telephone line that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line intervening between the op craters positions; and means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operatofs position, and serving, when operated to effect a signal, to render ineffective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated therewit 1.

9. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators po sitions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the telephone line that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line intervening between the operators positions; and means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, to effect a signal, to render ineffective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associ ated therewith.

10. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position: telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators po sitions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable bv telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operatorsposition and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, thetelephone line that intervenes between the: operators positions entering into the formation out and talking magnet connection; a signal device at the second operators position; and means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to efi ect a signal, to render inefi'ective the telephone circuit between the recording and the transmitter associate therewith.

11. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position;- telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the telephone line that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the 1' second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators position; and means for oper- 'ating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to effect a signal, to render inefiective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated there- 5. With.

12. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone 1 line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable 5 by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recordin magnet and including a transmitter at the rst operators position; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone lines intervening between the operators positions; and means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to eii'ect a signal, to render ineffective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated therewith.

13. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recordingand reproducing apparatus provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a teleproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line intervening between theoperators positions; and means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, whenoperated to effect a signal, to render ineffective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated therewith.

14. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; a signal device at the second operators position; and means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to effect a signal, to render ineifective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated therewith.

15. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines ex tending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators position; and means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to effect a signal, to render ineffective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated therewith.

16. A telephone exchange system includtit) 'tion and said recording magnet Mic el ing telephone a telephone line intervening between thev operators positions; a speech recording and re'produclng apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the.

second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

17. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus provided With a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

18. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the sec ond operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the telephone line that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

19. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators posiand including a transmitter at the first operators posithe first operators position and tion, the telephone line that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a' reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

20. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators po sitions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the telephone line that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line interveningbetween the operators positions; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position; and means for erasing the record controlled at the firstoperator s position.

21. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and re roducing apparatus'provided with a recor ing mag. net operable by telephonic current; a telephone talkin r connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmit ter at the first operator-"s position, the telephone line that intervenes between the operators positions entering into theforma tion of said talking connection; a telephone connection. including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of producing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line intervening between the operators position; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operatorspo- Shi r- 22 in tel r 'n tors' position second operators position;

A telephone exchange system includlines extending to one operatelephone lines extending to a a telephone line said speech recording and re-" intervening betweenthe v operators 7 I positions; ,a speech recordingJa-nd reproducing by telephonic current; a telephone talking connectlon intervening between the first op-' erators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position,'the telephone line that mtervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line intervening between, the operators. positions; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to eflect a signal, to render inefi'ective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated therewith; and means for erasing the record controlled at the'first operators position.

23. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus provided with. a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening be-.

tween the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position the telephone line that. intervenes between the operators positions entering into .the formation of said talking connection; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators-position and individual to the telephone line intervening between the operators positions; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to efi'ect a signal, to render ineflective the telephone circuit between the recordingv magnet and the transmitter associated therewith; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

24-. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephoniccurrent; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording. magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the telephone line that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a signal device at the second operators position; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to effect a-signal, to render ineffective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated therewith; and means forerasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

25. A telephone exchan e system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and re roducing apparatus provided with a recor ing magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the telephone line that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators position; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to effect a signal, to render ineffective the telephone circuit ,between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated'therewith; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

26. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line intervening between the operators positions; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to effect a signal, to render ineffective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and interact the transmitter associated therewith; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

27. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one oporators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a re producing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line intervening between the operators positions; means for ,operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position and serving, when operated to eifect a signal, to render ineflective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated therewith; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

28. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first opcrators position; a signal device at the second operators position; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first op erators position and serving, when operated to efiect a signal, to render ineffective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated there with; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

29. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line intervening between the operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the firstoperators position'and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second, operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device.at the second operators position; means for operating this signal devlce controlled at the first opera tors position and serving when operated to efl'ect a signal, to render inedective the telephone circuit between the recording magnet and the transmitter associated therewith; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

30. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector extending between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing appara tus, coupled with the link connector, for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and operable to receive a record at the first operators position for recording speech there spoken; and means governed at the first operators position for placing) said apparatus in condition to receive t e record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator.

31. A telephone exchange system includ ing telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a telephone line extending between the operators p0sitions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and operable to receive a record at the first operators position for recording speech there spoken; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

32. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to different operators positions; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of one operator and operable to receive a record at another operators position for recording speech there spoken; and means for erasing the record controlled at the latter operators position.

33. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; aspeech retween the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position; means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator; and means governed at the second operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to reproduce the recorded speech in the presence of the'operator at the second operators position.

I 34:. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone-lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, operable at the first operators position to record speech; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephonetransmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; means gov-v erned at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator; and means governed at the second operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to reproduce the recorded speech in the pres ence of the operator at the second operators position.

35. A telephone exchange system includ- :ing telephone lines. extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators-position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speechrecording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first op-' erators position; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and atelephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; means governed at the first operators position for placing saidapparatus in condition to receive the record'to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator; and means governed at the second operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to reproduce the recorded speech in the presence of the operator at the second operators position.

36. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the'first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the link connector that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator; and means governed atthe second operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to rep'roduce'the recorded speech in the presence ofthe operator at the second operators position:

. 37. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending'to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus coupled with the link connector, provided with recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the'first operators position, the link connector that intervenes between the operators positions entering into .the formation of said talking connection; a

telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator; and means governed at the second operators position for placing, said apparatus in condition toreproduce therecorded speech in the presence of the operator at the second operators position.

88. A telephone exchange system includ ing telephone. lines extendingto one operatorsposition; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled withv the link connector,

for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operators position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the link connector that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a signal device at the second operatbrs position and individual to the telephone line intervening between the operators po sitions; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position; means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator; and means governed at the second operators po sition for placing said apparatus in condition .to reproduce the recorded speech. in the presence of the operator at the second operators position. 39. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector intervening between the operators positions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, provided with a recording magnet operable by telephonic current; a telephone talking connection intervening between the first operator's position and said recording magnet and including a transmitter at the first operators position, the link connector that intervenes between the operators positions entering into the formation of said talking connection; a telephone connection including a telephone receiver at the second operators position and a telephone transmitter constituting a reproducing portion of said speech recording and reproducing apparatus; a signal device at the second operators position and individual to the telephone line intervening between the operators positions; means for operating this signal device controlled at the first operators position; means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator; and means governed at the second opei atoi s posltion tor placing said apparatus in condition to reproduce the recorded speech in the presence of the operator at the second operators position.

40. A telephone exchange system. includ ing telephone lines extending to one operators position; telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link con-- hector extending between the operators po sitions for joining calling and called lines; a speech recording and reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and operable at the first operators position; means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator; and means governed at the second operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to reproduce the re cordedspeech in the presence of the operator at the second operators position.

41. A telephone exchange system including telephone lines extending to one opera tors position telephone lines extending to a second operators position; a link connector extending between the operators" positions for joining calling and called. lines; a speech recordingand reproducing apparatus, coupled with the link connector, for reproducing recorded speech in the presence of the second operator and operable at the first operators position; and means governed at the first operators position for placing said apparatus in condition to receive the record to be reproduced in the presence of the second operator.

42. A system of communication including a speech recording and reproducing apparatus operable at one operators position for recording speech there spoken and reproducing the'recorded speech in the presence of an operator at another operators position; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position.

43. A system of communication including a speech recording and reproducing apparatus operable at one operators position for recordin speech there spoken and reproducing the recorded speech in the presence of an operator at another operators position; and means for erasing the record controlled at the first operators position, there being a telephone transmitter at the first operators position and a recording magnet forming a part of the recording mechanism and which magnet is in telephonic connection with said transmitter.

in witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this third day of August A. ll,

MQRIUN L. dUl-llilSsUN Witnesses:

G. L. CRAGG; lit Wnrrn. 

